Theology and philosophy at Warwick School encourages pupils to think deeply, question boldly, and develop the analytical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION
An intellectually challenging course in theology and philosophy is taught from Year 7 to Year 9 to all pupils within the school. Pupils will explore a diverse range of philosophical topics, as well as gaining a foundational knowledge of Abrahamic and Dharmic faiths and key theological questions, to develop their analytical thinking and evaluative skills, and avoid the unexamined life. The department offers theology and/or philosophy pathways in years 10 and 11, through the AQA Religious Studies GCSE course or our own Warwick School Level 2 Certificate in Philosophy.
Our curriculum builds strong foundations in Years 7–9 and prepares pupils for success at GCSE and beyond. Through an engaging programme of study, boys develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy the subject and achieve their potential.
Year 7 – 9
From the start of Year 7 there is the expectation that pupils will engage with difficult concepts and explore ideas different to their own. There is a major focus on philosophy across the lower and middle school, including: Philosophy of mind, Political philosophy, Medical ethics, Animal ethics, The ethics of war, Pop culture and philosophy.
- We also explore core concepts and enduring theological questions in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Every belief or non-belief is accepted and the aim of every lesson to challenge the ideas, perceptions and knowledge we claim to hold about the world as it is and as it should be.
In Year 8, pupils also enjoy an additional lesson per fortnight to hold a Community of Inquiry on a range of different philosophical stimuli. Debate, discussion, curiosity and evaluation are vital in every lesson; it’s rarely a quiet classroom!
GCSE
While compulsory Theology and Philosophy ends in the middle school, in the upper school students get to pick optional pathways in Theology and Philosophy.
The theology pathway is the AQA’s Religious Studies GCSE. This two-year course considers a range of religious and non-religious perspectives on different philosophical and ethical themes (such as human rights and social justice, crime and punishment, whether knowledge about God is even possible, etc…) while also doing a deep-dive study of the main beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam.
The philosophy pathway is a bespoke two-year Level 2 GCSE-equivalent course unique to Warwick School: the Warwick School Certificate in Philosophy. This exciting new course consists of four units: Argument, Self and Knowledge, Art and Sport, Social and Political Philosophy, Practical Ethics
It allows pupils to explore philosophical themes not covered in either GCSE Religious Studies or A Level Philosophy. Assessment in the certificate is not via final exam, but consists largely of pupils producing presentations, TED Talks, podcasts, art projects, or through verbal assessment in debates and communities of inquiry.
For pupils who cannot choose between the two courses, there is of course a theology and philosophy pathway – there is nothing stopping them from choosing to do both as options.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Our Junior Philosophy Club (Years 7–9) meets every Tuesday lunchtime, offering pupils the chance to explore big questions beyond the theology and philosophy curriculum. Through lively discussion and community‑of‑inquiry activities, pupils are encouraged to think critically, debate respectfully, and engage with ideas that stretch their understanding. The club is also open to girls from King’s High School, enriching the conversation with a broader range of perspectives.
Each year, we welcome visiting philosophers as part of the school’s Friday night Encounters programme and occasionally host our own lunchtime philosophical events.
Pupils in the upper school can also take part in the annual Ethics Cup competition, representing Warwick in a national forum for ethical debate.
